Summer is officially here, and it’s a hot one in Las Vegas. In most other areas of the country it’s not only hot, but it’s humid, too! What’s a fashionista to do? It’s difficult to look good and put-together when having to combat sun, sweat and sultry conditions. But having lived in arid Las Vegas for the past 12 years, I have developed an easy system to looking good and staying comfortable in hot summer weather. Here are my three steps to easy summer style:
1. Ditch the denim and stick with easy-to-wear summer dresses.
Whether maxi or mini, an easy, breezy summer dress will keep you feeling cool and looking cute. Summer dresses can be casual, too, just like your favorite pair of jeans. Take the T-shirt dress for example. Cotton and cotton-blend T-shirt dresses are a better alternative to denim during the summer and they look great with flats, sandals and even wedge sneakers.
Of course, my favorite summer dresses are free-flowing with bold patterns. I say, avoid anything fitted. They don’t breath well and will soak up the sweat, making you feel moist and icky. Instead, go for flowing silhouettes that move away from the body and allow air to circulate around your skin.
2. Keep makeup minimal.
Forget liquid makeup. It has a tendency to melt right off. Instead, after moisturizing and applying sunscreen (yes, you need sunscreen), spread a primer all over your face. You can use a tinted B.B. cream or the usual clear, mattifying primer that helps to prevent shine. Beyond that, use a concealer to cover any blemishes, but use it sparingly. Less is more. And rely on powder (pressed or loose) to keep skin from being shiny or to even out your complexion. The goal is to create a fresh-face, no-make-up look and keep your skin feeling light, which will keep you feeling more comfortable throughout the day.
Now that it’s hot, I’m not big on liquid, gel or pencil eyeliners and am instead using eye shadow, applied with an angled brush, to line my eyes. I still layer on the mascara (I am addicted, after all) and then apply a pink lipstick, maybe a little gloss, and I’m done!
3. Simplify your hair.
Ponytails and braids have come a long way. Hair accessory brands have caught onto the trend, because nowadays, you can find the cutest hair ties and elastics at your favorite mass retailer or pharmacy. They’re everywhere. So stock up on pretty options (including colored bobby pins), and add some sass to your ponytail or braid. It’s an easy way to wear your hair and keep your neck feeling cool on a hot day. And because you went above and beyond the usual black or brown elastic, it looks like you put some effort into your hairdo, which makes you look well-styled and put-together – no matter how hot it is.
